I am going to buy a bicycle in the next few days, but I don't know what to buy.

I have a some gift money in my possesion and it is earmarked to buy a bicycle. I know very little about those machines, and I do not have the tools or experience to count myself "handy" at modifying/fixing/working on them. I know my needs, and I know what exists, but I don't have much experience.

I need a bike which has agressive body positioning so that I can ride fast if I need it (I hate sitting up in bikes; I like leaning down). I need a bike which is mostly going to be used in commuting and riding around town and towing my son in a bike trailer. It would be nice to have extras like a bike rack, lights, fenders, and some way so that i can ride comfortably with easily wrinkled dress pants, if need be. I will be using this bike in SE Michingan, which means that there are practically no hills.

I have narrowed my choices to these two new bikes:

For $299 including delivery...Incline Sport Newport Driveshaft Bike
http://www.webbicycle.com/imagesb/newport-lg.jpg
Specs and stats. (http://www.webbicycle.com/bikes/newport.php)

For $350 from my local bike shop (includes yearly $60 tune up for the life of the bike, as well as a 1year warantee on frame and labor)... Trek 7200FX
http://www2.trekbikes.com/Assets/Bikes/City_Bike_Path/Hybrid/FX/7200_FX/asset_upload_file821_3501.jpg
Specs and stats. (http://www2.trekbikes.com/Bikes/City_Bike_Path/Hybrid/FX/7200_FX/index.php)

The difference is beyond price.

I know the Trek. I've ridden it. It is nice bike. It will serve me well... but I don't like the chain w/out chain guard (which apparently cannot be fitted on a 21 speed... whiich is about 18 more speeds than I could need in the flatlands of Michigan), and I find it a bit pricey, which makes immediate modifications difficult. Most importantly, I can easily get it fixed, and I have a local shop that has its word on this product, and people I can talk to face to face if need be.

The other bike is a SHAFT BIKE. No chain. All internal hub gears. It is really neat. I wouldn't even need to tie up my suit pants if I go riding around town. There are no exposed gears to deal with, and no chain to derail. The shaft bike also theoretically needs less upkeep. I love the idea. Not ot mention, since I'm going to be communitng around town with a baby bike trailer, the internal gear shift allows me to shift gears from a stop. I can bike fast, come to a stop, and start from the lowest gear... no problem! However, I don't know if any bike shop in the area could service it. I don't know how to get spare parts. I don't know if the frame is any good (shaft bikes need special frames to accommodate the hardware). I don't know how the bike fits. I don't really have any info other than what is on the website. It is a bit of gamble, but it could really pay off and be excellent. The bike is cheaper, which means I could afford to get a nice bike rack, bell, lights, fenders, and mirrors, which is nice.

Here is some info on Internal Hub Gearing on bicycles (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hub_gear) and Shaft Driven Bicycles (http://www.dynamicbicycles.com/chainless/technology.php)

I've been trying to get ahold of the owner of "Webbicycle.com" which owns the shaft bike site, but it has been a game of phone tag for the past four days. That doesn't put me at ease. Right now, the Trek is winning.

I am hoping ot hear some advice from someone who has bike experience. Is the shaft bike worth getting? The idea is so appealling. I just don't want or need 21 speeds which will make life more complicated, not to mention I can't even cover them up.

Come on, someone help me!

Unfortunately I have no bike experience either. I've been thinking of buying one myself. So I can't really help you much.

It does look like the Trek has the advantage of in-store help and repair, which earns points in my book.

Sorry I can't be of much more help than that. :(

Amy, that is more help than I'm getting from the Shaft Bike Company. I'm sick of just doing internet research on this. I think I am going to get the bike tonight. It is just that with the financial pressures and responsibilities I have, getting a $300 bike feels like a major purchase, and I want to do it right the first time. I can't afford a lemon, and I can't afford to get something just for the name brand (trek doesn't appeal to ideally because they are known for making overly expensive low-end bikes which don't deliver).

Please help me! This is a huge purchase for me and even amateaur input would be helpful. :begs:

I have little knowledge about bikes. But awhile ago I was trying to get into mountain biking so I starting reading biking magazines. And in one of the mags it gave the advice "buy the most expensive bike you can afford."

If they allow you to ride the bikes around the store try that to get a feel of the differences between them, that might help.

Have you seen both bikes in person? There are a lot of things i Look for in a bike, even though I don't know much about them in specifics...

- weight. Is the bike heavy? If it is, skip it.
- frame angle. If you want one where you're leaning forward, these seem ok. Don't get the hybrids where you're more upright (though I find these easier for street riding, because they're easier on my back)
- if you're going to be doing street riding, don't get a mountain bike. Get a street bike. There is a difference in style, weight, and especially the tires (which of course you can replace).

the incline seems nice, but I really encourage you to try bikes out in person. You won't know if it's "right" until you try it on. :)

Heh, I just guessed. I like bikes and all, just don't know too much about 'em. :) I hope you get one you like!!

Perhaps posting a biking forum would garner more responses? I'm afraid I don't have any input, since the last bike I owned had a banana seat.

Perhaps posting a biking forum would garner more responses? I'm afraid I don't have any input, since the last bike I owned had a banana seat.

A harbinger of dietary things to come, no doubt. :D

I agree about posting in a biking forum, though. :yes:

I've never really mastered the skill of riding bikes, but my father's a typical insane trek freak... I'd reccomend the trek, due to the fact that if something breaks during the warranty, you'll not have to ship it off somewhere, and local bicycle shops' higher prices do mean better service (at least here, but the shop here is different than most) and the yearly tuneup does come in handy because they can see little things that are needing to be repaired/replaced (a good bike chain now costs maybe $50 or so, but when you're out riding and it snaps while you're out riding, causing $200 or more in damage to the bicycle, and makes you feel pretty stupid in the process (happened to my dad earlier this year..). Having someone check to see if something needs to be fixed now is a lot cheaper than repairing the whole thing later because you didn't even think that something might happen to whatever.

And, just so you know... If I ever find out you own any high-vis yellow jerseys, I'll come down there myself with the fashion police to arrest you... *shudders*